As the temperatures begin to drop, fall is the perfect time to ensure that your home’s plumbing is ready for winter. Without proper maintenance, cold weather can wreak havoc on your pipes, water heater, and other plumbing fixtures, leading to costly repairs or emergencies. At Jake Miller Plumbing, we’ve created a fall plumbing maintenance checklist to help you winter-proof your home, avoid frozen pipes, and keep your plumbing running smoothly throughout the season.
1. Inspect & Insulate Your Pipes
Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter plumbing problems, but they’re also preventable with proper insulation and maintenance. When water freezes inside your pipes, it expands, putting immense pressure on the pipes and often leading to bursts. Here’s how to protect your pipes:
- Identify Exposed Pipes: Walk through your home, paying special attention to pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, or exterior walls. These are most vulnerable to freezing.
- Add Insulation: Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to wrap around any exposed pipes. According to the Department of Energy, insulating your pipes can also reduce heat loss and lower your energy bills by ensuring your hot water doesn’t cool as it travels through your plumbing system.
- Keep Cabinets Open: During particularly cold days, open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to let warm air circulate around the pipes. This is especially important if those pipes are located along exterior walls.
Pro Tip: If you’re not sure whether your home’s pipes are adequately insulated, the team at Jake Miller Plumbing can perform an inspection and help insulate any vulnerable areas.
2. Drain and Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
If you forget to drain your outdoor faucets and hoses, you could be in for a nasty surprise once temperatures dip below freezing. Water left in the hoses can freeze and expand, which may lead to cracks in the faucet or connecting pipes.
- Disconnect Garden Hoses: After using your hoses in the fall, be sure to disconnect them from outdoor spigots. Store them away until spring to prevent damage.
- Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Faucets: If your home has an interior shut-off valve for outdoor faucets, turn it off. Then, open the faucet outside to drain any remaining water.
For homes without a shut-off valve, consider installing freeze-proof outdoor faucets to reduce the risk of freezing. These are designed to prevent water from sitting in the faucet and causing damage when temperatures drop.
3. Check Your Water Heater for Efficiency
Your water heater works overtime during the winter to provide warm showers and hot water for daily activities. Fall is the perfect time to perform maintenance to ensure it’s running efficiently. Here are some key steps to take:
- Flush the Tank: Over time, sediment can build up inside your water heater tank, reducing efficiency and shortening its lifespan. Jake Miller Plumbing offers water heater flushing services to remove these sediments and keep your system running smoothly. Flushing your tank annually can also reduce your energy bills by allowing your water heater to work more efficiently.
- Check the Temperature: Set your water heater’s thermostat to around 120°F. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this is the optimal temperature to balance comfort and energy efficiency while also preventing scalding.
- Inspect for Leaks: Look for any signs of leaks around the base of your water heater. If you notice any moisture, it may be time for repairs or even a replacement. Water heaters typically last between 8 to 12 years, so if yours is getting up there in age, a professional inspection from Jake Miller Plumbing can help determine whether it’s time for an upgrade.
4. Test Sump Pump Functionality
If your home has a basement, your sump pump is a critical line of defense against flooding. Heavy fall rains or melting snow can easily overwhelm your basement’s drainage system if your sump pump isn’t functioning correctly.
- Test the Pump: Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to ensure that the pump activates and drains the water. If the pump doesn’t kick on or drains slowly, contact Jake Miller Plumbing for a professional inspection or repair.
- Clean the Sump Pit: Remove any dirt, debris, or obstructions from the sump pit that could interfere with the pump’s ability to function.
- Backup Power: Make sure your sump pump has a battery backup in case of a power outage during a storm.
5. Schedule a Fall Plumbing Inspection
Fall is the best time to schedule a professional plumbing inspection, and Jake Miller Plumbing offers comprehensive services to keep your home’s plumbing in top condition. Our inspection includes:
- Checking for leaks and corrosion in pipes.
- Inspecting water heaters and ensuring they’re winter-ready.
- Testing sump pumps and sewage systems.
- Examining the home’s overall plumbing efficiency.
Scheduling an inspection now can help you catch minor issues before they turn into costly emergencies when the temperature drops.
Stay Ahead of Winter with Proper Plumbing Care
Preparing your home’s plumbing for winter doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it does require some attention to detail. Following this fall plumbing maintenance checklist can protect your pipes, water heater, and overall plumbing system from freezing temperatures and costly damage. If you need assistance, Jake Miller Plumbing is here to help with expert services, from water heater maintenance to full-home plumbing inspections.
